1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
Illicit chemists now use methylone’s structure as a template for modern-day alchemy.
—Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Majority agrees, holding that Kalshi’s registration as a DCM and branding of its wagers as sports-event contracts are acts of alchemy that transmute its products from sports gambling to futures trading.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
Lang plays the antagonist, a bitter Alpine waiter whose family recipe for Grappa involves alchemy and witchcraft.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
The Lees’ kitchen performs some kind of alchemy that transmogrifies straightforward ingredients like cabbage into minor miracles.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Jonathan Corum, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Majority agrees, holding that Kalshi’s registration as a DCM and branding of its wagers as sports-event contracts are acts of alchemy that transmute its products from sports gambling to futures trading.
—ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026
Lang plays the antagonist, a bitter Alpine waiter whose family recipe for Grappa involves alchemy and witchcraft.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
The Lees’ kitchen performs some kind of alchemy that transmogrifies straightforward ingredients like cabbage into minor miracles.
—Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.—
Owen Carry,
Wired News,
11 Mar. 2026
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The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fans at Easton Stadium anticipated another grand slam, holding up their cellphones hoping to catch some magic.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
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Detroit, like Cleveland, needed to win a Game 7 in the last round, but had no magic left for a second act.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Individuals born with Pluto in Virgo possess sharp instincts, an eye for detail and a sorcery-like resourcefulness.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 May 2026
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In a feat of sorcery that should have other sandwich makers crying in their beer, the ciabatta roll here is tender and comparatively thin.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, the film tells the story of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century Catholic priest who was burned at the stake over accusations of witchcraft.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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In 1879, on the island of Chiloé in southern Chile, the murder of a man accused of witchcraft triggers an unprecedented judicial investigation.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The reason the Nuggets made David Adelman the head coach was his offensive wizardry.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
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Hitchcock deserves credit for putting his personal artistic flourishes aside to create a straightforward adaptation, undistracted by technical wizardry.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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